Hi All, I have bcbs IL and was told that I needed a referral from PCP to do lap band, no other requirements. My PCP Group requires 6m supervised diet.

Do I really go on low cal diet and exercise and work it for 6 months. I bet I could lose 30lbs. Problem is that I have a BMI of 36(w/htn, dm2, carpal tunnel, oa). I don't know what these people really want. I am sure if I lose a bunch of weight they will deny me and I will be crushed. The problem has never been losing, it's keeping it off. I will lose the weight in 6 months and in 2 years I will have blown up and added more.

If anyone knows what is really expected out of the 6m diet please let me know. I just don't want a denial in 6 months. I will be devastated.

Thanks

My bmi was 36, I also had sleep apnea and GERD. My band doctor's office told me that the six months my insurance required wasn't just for losing weight but for education on the band, meeting with the dietician, the psychologist, etc. I was told if I lost more then 15 pounds, I'd be under the required bmi of 35. At my 2nd moth visit I had lost the 15 pounds! The dr's office told me not to lose anymore or I wouldn't be approved, which of course I took to mean EAT! So I did, gaining back 8 or 9 pounds at the end of the six months. Long story short, my insurance approved me first time around because I had completed the 6 months of doctor visits, had attempted and lost some weight and met their requirements of a bmi over 35 w/comorbidities. Good Luck! I was banded on 6/18 and have lost 21 pounds. My first fill is today, 7/17. I'm a little nervous!